Personal Finance

Debt collection company charged a $2.5 MILLION penalty by FTC

Zoey — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:05:01 +0000

Online food spending calculator compares yours vs. the rest of the US

Splash — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 04:02:34 +0000

What do you spend on groceries every week? How often do you go out to eat? What about booze? All that money on sustenance is probably adding up to more than you think.Read the rest...

The Land of Unknown Tax Deductions

Splash — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:12:03 +0000

Making sure you get every tax deduction and credit you have coming to you is one of the best ways to ensure you don’t leave any money on the table during tax time.
“Overlooking deductions can cost you money,” said Barbara Weltman, author of “J.K. Lasser’s 1001 Deductions and Tax Breaks 2012” and contributing editor of “J.K. Lasser's Your Income Tax 2012.”Read the rest...

FBI warns of new banking scam

Jewel — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 03:25:38 +0000

In a new warning, the Federal Bureau of Investigation warns account holders of a new spam email scheme that involves a type of malware called "Gameover." The scheme involves fake emails from the National Automated Clearing House Association, the Federal Reserve or the FDIC. These messages attempt to trick recipients into clicking on a link to resolve some type of issue with their accounts or a recent ACH transaction. Once you click on the link, Gameover takes over your computer, and thieves can steal usernames, passwords and your money.Read the rest...

What Is a Mutual Fund Prospectus? How to Read and Understand It.

micharch — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 22:46:19 +0000

What is a mutual fund prospectus? It’s a document that gives you an inside look at your mutual fund, and it’s about as inviting to read as a telephone book. That’s exactly the way Wall Street likes it. As long as you don’t take the five minutes it usually requires to go through the document, you won’t be aware of the fees the fund charges you. Also, by failing to read the prospectus, you’ll be in the dark about the wild investments the 25-year-old multi-billion dollar fund manager can make with your money.Read the rest...

2012 to be the year we DIY instead of calling the experts in

Jewel — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 07:14:37 +0000

I'm all for doing it yourself if you possibly can or at least attempting it! Americans plan to apply this new DIY-attitude across the board: to their vacations, staying in shape and even beauty maintenance. Consumers are also looking to scale back and save more money this year.Read the rest...

Memorial Day prediction: $3.86 to $4.13 per gallon for gas

Jewel — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 06:19:29 +0000

This could be "the year of the gas-pocalypse" analysts tell the Los Angeles Times, "because gasoline prices are the highest ever for the start of the year, and they're on the rise, supercharged by expensive oil and changes in refinery operations."

Article

Risky places to swipe your debit card

cookiefan — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 02:36:03 +0000

Do you commonly use your debit card in these places?

While debit card fraud is always a possibility, being careful where you use it can help keep your checking account balance out of the hands of criminals.

http://www.bankrate.com/finance/checking/risky-places-swipe-debit-card-1.aspx

Man tried to use $1,000,000 bill at Walmart

greenmachine — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:35:55 +0000

Yes really. He really really did and wasn't happy when they didn't take it LOL.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45834097/ns/us_news-weird_news/#.Tv_wKNSiExI

5 most dramatic food price changes in 2011. Can you guess them?

Zoey — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 05:43:31 +0000

Take a guess at what you think they would have been, just for fun, before you read this Good Housekeeping article that reveals all.

Over the past year in the test kitchen, we've noticed our grocery bills creeping higher and higher. Have you noticed the same thing at home? We dug around and found out which ingredients have been adding up:

Article

Debt delinquency timeline

pennywise — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 23:28:10 +0000

In case you've ever wondered what happens when, this slideshow will enlighten you on the stages of debt, what to expect to happen and what can be done at each point.

http://www.bankrate.com/finance/debt/debt-delinquency-timeline-what-to-expect-1.aspx

Financial Security Index reveals diligence

pennywise — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 22:29:11 +0000

Are Americans internalizing the "happy holidays" message? Last month, it didn't seem to be the case. But in December, Bankrate's Financial Security Index shows improvement in every component from job security, savings, debt and net worth to Americans' overall financial situation.
Read the rest...

Retailers upgrade holiday spending outlook - do you?

frazzledmom — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 05:32:35 +0000

NEW YORK – With the final Christmas countdown begun, the nation's largest retail trade group has upgraded its holiday sales forecast, reflecting growing optimism that much more spending is to come.
Read the rest...

Facebook Begins Testing Coupons In Ads & Page Posts

Zoey — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:13:28 +0000

Another promising Facebook test has been uncovered, this time around the always hot-topic: coupons. While Facebook currently has check-in deals for local businesses, no functionality exists to offer discounts and savings to non-local users. Screen shots have surfaced showing how these coupons may integrate into the current Facebook environment. One of most interesting elements to the new coupon is the ability to integrate directly into a Facebook ad itself.Read the rest...

Debt. Pay it Down.

micharch — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:25:52 +0000

Unique Ways to Pay Down Debt
Read the rest...